With so many of us only heading into the office a couple of days a week, making the most of those days is important. So what can you do to liven up your lunch hour and capitalise on that post-work period before you get your train and head for home? From modern art to Latin American food, immersive gaming to theatre – whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered.
Things to do with your mates
Electric Gamebox Southbank: from £14; Arch 3, 83 Scoresby Street, Southwark SE1 0XN; 9 minutes’ walk from Waterloo; electricgamebox.com
Looking for a group activity you can do with your work friends? Book a session at Electric Gamebox Southbank epic for an immersive group gaming experience. You’ll step into the world’s smartest room (we’re talking projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and surround sound) and try your hand at espionage, rescuing the Royal family and mining for Martian minerals. You can book 30-60 minutes of gameplay at a time and it looks seriously fun. This is how you make screen time social again!
Undiscovered places to explore
Cubana; 48 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG; 3 minutes’ walk from Waterloo; cubana.co.uk
London has loads of incredible international food and drink on offer, and Cubana is a great option if you’re after Cuban and Latin American fare. Located on Lower Marsh just a stone’s throw from Waterloo station, this lively restaurant is open seven-days a week from lunch till late serving delicious home-cooked tapas. Happy Hour runs daily from 16:00 to 19:00 - and we recommend you try the fresh tropical cocktails and legendary Mojitos. They’ve got live music on Fridays and Saturdays and if you visit on Thursday you’ll catch some Latin DJs.
Something free to enjoy
Tate Modern; free (some paid exhibitions); Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG; 15 minutes’ walk from London Waterloo; tate.org.uk
There’s free art and culture on every corner when it comes to London. So, if you’re struggling to save or just waiting on payday, you don’t have to compromise on a thing! The Tate Modern is actually pretty close to Waterloo station, and has a prime bankside location – perfect for a stroll to refresh yourself along the south bank of the Thames. You can admire the free collections in this iconic gallery, or book tickets to some breathtaking modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
An SWR reward to cash in
Did you know that you can get access to exclusive offers and deals when you buy your train ticket with SWR. We’re offering amazing commuter perks across various venues in London (and beyond!) allowing you to cash in on great discounts, free drinks and more! Find out more about our exclusive Commuter Rewards at swr-rewards.com.
Bit of a Shakespeare fan? You can get 10% off tickets for performances at the Globe including Hamlet, Measure for Measure, The Fir Tree, and The Merchant of Venice. This historic theatre is a great place to get your daily dose of culture!
Wes and Sandy’s secret star:
To help you keep your fingers firmly on the pulse of city living, our winged friends, Sandy and Wes are on hand to provide their top recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is the importance of finding a good spot for a meal out with friends! They’ve joined forces to share their restaurant, café and bar suggestions, so you can spread your wings in style.
Bar Elba; Rooftop, Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UL; bar-elba.co.uk
To soak up Mediterranean vibes with your mates at a great rooftop bar, visit Bar Elba just across the road from Waterloo Station. Tuck into burgers, tacos and hot dogs and wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail or two.
So whether you’re still in the city every day, or just a couple each week, the fulfilment of a face-to-face get together with your colleagues can’t be understated. And we’ve changed too – with new ticket options that are perfect for part-time commuting. Find out which ticket is right for you.
